Targeting aquatic invaders

The state Department of Natural Resources is stepping up efforts to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species in Wisconsin’s waterways.

State law requires boaters and anglers to take steps to keep aquatic hitchhikers from moving between bodies of water, such as draining live wells and removing plants when taking boats out of the water.

DNR aquatic invasive species coordinator Bob Wakeman says most people know by now what they should be doing. He says public education efforts have helped to raise awareness, although questions remain about how many people are actually complying with the law.

To help answer that question, DNR wardens and volunteers have been out at boat launches around the state over the holiday weekend.

Wakeman says efforts continue to educate the public, although wardens have moved more towards enforcement and have handed out several citations this year already.

Invasive species remain a major concern in Wisconsin’s waterways because they can crowd out existing fish and plant life.